Looking after your baby together (Parents as Partners in care)
The neonatal team want to make sure you and your family feel comfortable being with and caring for your baby. We want to work as partners in care with you. We’ll help you learn to look after your baby and make decisions about their care in your own time and at your own pace.
You might feel different emotions when you first see your baby on the neonatal unit and there’s a lot to think about:
- How your baby is doing
- What care and equipment they need
- What you can do for your baby
- What support is available for you and your family
The team will answer your questions and explain everything, including how the equipment works and where things are in the unit. Ask us anything—we’re here to help!
If you speak another language, we can get interpreters in person or on the phone. Tell us if you need help with communication in any way.
Being with your baby
You can be with your baby at any time on the neonatal unit. Your other children are welcome with you at any time too. Grandparents can also come to the neonatal unit at any time, either with you or alone with your consent.
You can spend as much time as you want or are able to with your baby. We know and understand that this is different for every parent and family.
Facilities, such as a parent kitchen and bedrooms, are available on the unit for you to use.
Staying overnight
You may be an inpatient at the start of your baby’s neonatal care. When you are well enough to go home, please talk to the neonatal team about continuing to stay in the hospital so you can be close to your baby.
There are some parent bedrooms for families to use on the neonatal unit. Sadly, there are not enough for everyone.
Priority will be given if:
- you live far away from the hospital
- your baby is very unwell
- you are getting ready to go home with your baby
There are comfortable chairs in all the nurseries, and parent beds in one of the special care rooms (Room 10) so you can sleep at your baby’s cot side.
More bedrooms are a short walk from the unit.
Contacting the unit
You can call the neonatal unit for updates at any time, day or night. We also use BadgerNet Diaries to share photos of your baby with you.
Staff may not always be able to answer your call immediately as they are caring for the babies so, please be patient.
We will only give information to you as the parent/caregiver unless you have agreed otherwise. This is to ensure confidentiality.
Here are the neonatal unit phone numbers:
Reception: 0114 2268356
Room 2 (ITU): 0114 2268119
Room 3 (ITU): 0114 2268391
Room 4 (ITU): 0114 2268359
Room 6 (HDU):0114 2265513
Room 7 (SCBU): 0114 2268121
Room 8 (SCBU): 0114 2261039
Room 10 (SCBU): 0114 2265337
Transitional care: 0114 2268911
Please let us know the best phone number to contact you on in case we need to call you. Calls from the hospital may show up as ‘no caller ID.’
Caring for your baby
The neonatal team will work with you to care for your baby.
Comfort and bonding
You can help your baby feel safe and comfortable by:
- Cuddling them, holding them in skin to skin, or gently touching them,
- Talking, reading, or singing to them—they know your voice
- Using bonding hearts – they know your smell
- Wrapping your baby in a muslin cloth or sheet, giving them milk, sucrose (sugary water), or a dummy before, during, or after treatments. When your baby can go to the breast you can offer this for comfort instead of a dummy.
Supporting your baby (pdf)
You being there helps your baby feel comforted. You will learn what your baby likes and dislikes and will know them best.
Here is some information about how babies might show you how they are feeling. Your Baby’s behaviour (pdf)
Daily cares and feeding
While your baby is on the neonatal unit, you will be supported and encouraged to:
- Change their nappies
- Clean and bath them
- Check their temperature
- Feed them
- Give them medicine
- Weigh them
Getting involved in your Baby’s care (pdf)
Giving medicine (pdf)
Yorkshire and Humber ODN All Wrapped
Ward rounds happen every day. These are where doctors and the nurse looking after your baby will talk about your baby’s care needs. Sometimes there may be other specialists as well.
You are encouraged to join the ward round with the neonatal team and be
involved in decision making for your baby.
Ward rounds are a good time to talk about your baby’s progress and make plans for their care. You can talk about your baby’s achievements, any worries and concerns you may have or ask any questions.
Other parents may be in the room during the ward round. If you wish to talk about your baby in private this can be arranged.
As well as ward rounds there will also be other times to sit down with a doctor or nurse to discuss your baby's care in more detail if you wish. You can also talk to the staff or ask questions at any time.